Tips to Protect Yourself from Post-Hurricane Scams

United Water Restoration Group (UWRG), the restoration and reconstruction franchise, is helping water-weary Florida residents by offering free advice on how to spot and avoid scammers posing as legitimate contractors after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the Tampa Bay area.

Vincent Thomas and James Fleming of United Water Restoration Group of Pinellas County told viewers of Great Day Live that fraudsters posing as contractors often share these characteristics:

• They promise to expedite the repairs you need

• Their vehicles don’t have company logos

• The don’t have business cards

• They demand payment in full and up front

• They’re vague about when they can fit you into their schedules

• They either don’t have a contract for you to sign or rush you into signing one

“One of the worst things you can do is sign a contract, waving and assigning all your benefits to a third party that you don't know,” said Thomas. “States did away with those ABOs [Assignment of Benefit contracts] years ago.”

So what should you do before signing a contract? “Get three, four or five estimates,” said Thomas.

When you’ve settled on a company, Thomas urges people to take advantage of a free service offered by the Florida Department of Financial Services, which can be accessed through the Prepare Florida website. “Send your contract to them, and the legal department will review it and either give you a thumbs up or a thumbs down,” he said.

Despite the unprecedented damage caused by recent hurricanes, UWRG made it clear it has the resources to support those in need. “For the first two days, I didn’t get off the phone but now we’re catching up,” said Fleming.

Thomas and Fleming realize it can be tempting to rush into situations when you’re vulnerable, but they urge people to do their due diligence to avoid being scammed out of money. “When in doubt, dial out,” said Thomas.